In addition, the Bold Orion was used in early anti-satellite weapons testing, performing the first interception of a satellite by a missile.

[3][5] Following initial testing, the Bold Orion configuration was altered to become a two-stage vehicle, an Allegany Ballistics Laboratory Altair upper stage being added to the missile.

In addition to the modifications improving the missile's reliability, they increased the range of Bold Orion to over 1,000 miles (1,600 km).

[9][15] The Bold Orion ASAT test was the first interception of a satellite by any method, proving that anti-satellite missiles were feasible.

The Eisenhower administration sought to establish space as a neutral ground for everyone's use, and the "indication of hostile intent" given by the tests was frowned upon, with anti-satellite weapons development being soon curtailed.